Fitness gives Cindy Posey the energy that she needs

It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! Each week I scour the blogosphere to find other fit moms who inspire me to fitness.

This weeks mommy is Cindy, who blogs over at Go Workout Mom. She is a very busy mom with two young children. She also helps others reach their fitness goals with her part time job as a personal trainer. Cindy describes fitness as a journey and motivates others through her enthusiasm and her own life as “One Fit Mommy”!

Please read on to learn more about Cindy and be sure to visit her blog.

Q:How many kids do you have and what are their ages?

I have two kids. Asher is turning 4 this month and Stephanie turns 3 in September. Yes, They’re 13 months apart, but both are now potty trained, and they’re best of friends!

Q:Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?

With the exception of the two years following pregnancy, I was always exercising or involved in sports. Being in a military setting for ten years, staying fit was a part of the environment. Exercising was expected and incorporated into the work schedule. I was inspired to live a fit lifestyle in order to be a better Mom. My family deserves the less stressed, positive attitude, and more energetic person that I knew exercise and proper nutrition offered. I didn’t like the lethargic, comatose person that I was becoming because I wasn’t making exercise a priority. Plus, I get the added benefit of catching the little rascals when they sprint off in two directions. I want to make sure it’s going to be many years before my kids can out run me!

Q:What is your favorite exercise and why?

My favorite exercise is a Static V-Sit Up (Denise Austin calls it the Teaser). Laying completely flat on ground with legs extended, bring both feet and upper body up into V-shape. It helps to slightly bend knees as you come up, but then extend your legs while in the air and hold the position for about two seconds. It’s taken a long year to finally regain abdominal strength and I finally conquered this more complex abdominal/core exercise. It’s invigorating to be able to complete 15 to 20 in one session and continue on with another 20 minute abdominal workout.

Q:and least favorite exercise/workout?

Swimming, without a doubt. As much as I know the benefits, I have the hardest time getting into the pool. I think it has something to do with those Navy swim classes and having to complete the 40 year swim (fully clothed and timed).

Q:In addition to being a full time mom, you also have a part-time job outside of the home. How do you juggle all of this and still maintain your level of fitness?

Well, I’m still trying to figure it out. Most times, the dishes are left to the late evening, vacuuming is a figment of my imagination and dinner is made in the crock pot. Anyone have good, healthy recipes??? I’ve shifted my fitness focus from the long endurance runs and started incorporating heavy strength training most days of the week with High Intensity Interval Training. I schedule at least an hour of workouts 6 days a week. Have I succeeded every week? Nope, but I keep striving for it and I make sure to prioritize workouts and the kid’s time above everything else. I’m not an early riser! Again, I think that it’s a result of repressed memories of screaming, whistles and detailers. We hit the YMCA almost everyday. By the time 10 AM rolls around, the kids and I need a break from each other anyway. Asher and Stephanie get a good two hours playing and learning (the staff is wonderful and even though it’s a child watch, I consider the two hours more of a daycare/PreK experience) while I double up on workouts or add a nice coffee break to the morning to write for the blog.

Q:are you more of a cardio mom or a strength training mom?

This one’s a toughie. I consider myself both, but if my arm is being twisted, I’m a Strength Training Mom. I make the strength training a priority and can consistently complete the routines more days out of the week. However, I love running, the elliptical, the new Arc Wave Machine, and rowing, so I hit those cardio routines with a vengeance when I jump on them or hit the trail.

Q:You ran a 1/2 marathon in April….any plans for more running races?

Yes!!! I love running. This past year has been a blast running with a couple of Moms at the 5K and 1/2 Marathon races. I’ve shifted my focus momentarily to a heavier strength training routine, but I don’t see myself entering any Body Building or Bikini Contests. To cater to the competitive nature in me, I’m sure that at 5K or 10K may be around the corner sometime from now. The adrenaline rush from racing is so addicting!

Q:Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?

When I don’t feel like working out, I do one of two things. I talk myself into going out for 10 minutes. Once working out it seems pointless to return in such a short amount of time. If ten minutes seems to be too much, I visualize how I feel at the end of a really good workout–exhausted but stronger, more alert, and ready to take on the rest of the day. I always feel more energetic and able to cope with the crazy antics two little toddlers, a husband, a dog, and a cat send my way!

Q:Random question: if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go….and would you bring your kids with you?

I would head to Rome, Italy. Oh, I absolutely loved the city and can’t wait to return. I know there are many new places that would be neat to see, but Rome was so beautiful, the history rich, and the food delicious. Yes, I think the kids are old enough now to really enjoy the new setting. Plus they’re so curious about everything and such a joy to take to new places. They travel well on planes and in cars. I wouldn’t want them to miss a moment of seeing everything the world has to offer. Yikes, you’re igniting the travel bug in me.

Thank you Cindy for allowing me to feature you as “One Fit Mommy”!

Now, have YOU been active today gang? Get moving and enjoy your energy. No excuses!

If you, (or someone you know), would like to be featured as “One Fit Mommy”,

You know, I really appreciate reading about someone who is working on balance… Sometimes I think if we miss a work out, we tend to crucify ourselves… At least I do…
This is a very good reminder that we are striving to do our best, not consistently doing it.
Thanks for the post.

wow….another VERY inspirational mommy. It IS hard to find a good balance between kids and working out. I have found that on the days I didn’t work out…..I wasn’t as patient as a mommy….so there’s the motivation for me!

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